Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University are set to receive a national award for its popular CCC2NAU program. Noel-Levitz, a national higher education consulting firm with offices in Colorado and Iowa, awarded the college the 2012 Lee Noel-Randi Levitz Retention Excellence Award.

"Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University are excellent examples of how strong working partnerships among higher education institutions improve educational opportunities for all," said CCC President Dr. Leah L. Bornstein.

CCC2NAU was selected to receive the award for its partnership between the college and university.

"Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College created a ground-breaking example of partnership that focuses on student success," said NAU President John Haeger. "It has served as a model for additional 2NAU programs and has been duplicated at other state universities and colleges around the country."

Veronica Hipolito, CCC Director of Student Services and Eva Putzova of NAU will accept the award at the 2012 National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing, and Retention in Chicago, July 24-26. More than 1,000 professionals from over 600 colleges and universities throughout North America will attend this conference to share state-of-the-art enrollment practices.

CCC2NAU is a transition program that allows students to take classes at CCC until they are ready to take classes at Northern Arizona University. The program started in 2008 and provides intensive advising to help the student develop a transition plan to the university.

The program has an average one-year retention and transition rate of 86.1 percent compared to 76 percent average one-year retention rate for all transfer students, measured over the past three years.

Noel-Levitz has consulted with more than 2,700 public and private colleges and universities across North America, helping these campuses and systems reach and exceed their goals for student recruitment, financial aid, student retention and completion, and strategic enrollment management.

CCC student works with NASA

Lisa Priem's mission to a successful flight to Mars started in earnest in February. That's when she began working with NASA on creating an original suit for astronauts that will prevent bone and muscle atrophy at zero gravity.

The project, which she said, will benefit "the advancement of human health and application at NASA," will be one of her lifelong studies.

Coconino Community College awarded Priem the Outstanding Science Student of the Year Award in May for her enthusiasm and dedication to science. She credits CCC for making her transition to higher education "glass smooth."

Priem, who also graduated from CCC in May, plans to continue her coursework at Columbia University in New York in the fall, where she plans to study cardiology.

Priem, a personal trainer, started studying in the human body in an effort to become a better trainer. She began reading articles and books such as Gray's Anatomy, a medical journal to teach herself about the human body and functions, which led to her interest in aerospace medicine, she said.

"After studying so hard, I thought, 'why am I not going to school for this?' " she said.

In January she finally began work on an idea she had been brainstorming, a special spacesuit for NASA. Priem is currently working on her idea with NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio. She couldn't offer more details about her project due to the sensitivity of the idea but she said she will do "whatever it takes to get (the astronauts) to Mars and back alive."

Priem has lived in Flagstaff for many years but grew up in New York. She absolutely loves the big city.

Aside from her science studies, Priem has a strong passion for sports, especially golf and tennis. Sports led her to become a personal trainer for Anytime Fitness gym as well as an in-home trainer.

"Personal training led to self-training for school," she said.

Nike even created a one of a kind pair of athletic shoes for her. The shoes are bright red with RBC Count written on the back, which stands for Red Blood Cells.

During her time at CCC, Priem was an active member of the school. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which she will continue at Columbia. Priem also served as a CCC tutor in English, biology, math, psychology and healthcare studies. In addition she was a Support Instructor for Bio 100. Outside of school, Priem was a certified EMT and a certified nurse assistant.

Priem, the youngest of four siblings, has been described by co-workers, classmates, and teachers as "hardworking, driven, and amazing." She stands out to everyone who meets her as an incredible individual. Because of her achievements Priem has been invited to the Presidential Inauguration in January.

She credits her parents to giving her support with any path she has followed. "They've always backed me 100 percent," she said.

GED graduates recognized

GED graduate speaker Gabino Balbuena accepts his certificate of induction into the National Adult Education Honor Society at the GED recognition ceremony June 7.

More than 30 graduates were recognized in the 2012 GED Recognition Ceremony at Coconino Community College. The June 7 ceremony included remarks from keynote speaker Dan Connella and from graduate speaker Gabino Bulbuena. A reception followed after the ceremony. GED classes are part of CCC's Adult Education department, which includes GED prep classes in Flagstaff, Page and Williams. English classes are also offered in Flagstaff and Williams.

Climb Snowbowl and fight cancer

Coconino Community College is looking for team members to climb Arizona Snowbowl to fight cancer. The American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer is Aug. 18. College employees are encouraged to join the team, CCC 4 CCC.

"It's a great opportunity to show our community spirit, get some moderate exercise, and help raise funds and awareness about a problem that affects too many people that we know," said co-team captain Tom Lehman, who is an anatomy and physiology instructor.

The walk begins at 7 a.m. Participants will walk 6.7 miles at Snowbowl. Each participant is encouraged to raise $100 and the $40 registration fee goes toward that goal. Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch after the event which is included with the registration fee.

"If we get 12 members or more, we get customized shirts, so feel free to invite others to join our team," Lehman said.

Click here to join the team click on "Join a Team", and select "CCC 4 CCC". For information call Lehman at 928-226-4282 or co-captain Val Barret at 928-226-4313.

Dr. Russ Rothamer welcomed at luncheon

Dr. Russ Rothamer, who joined Coconino Community College as Vice President of Academic Affairs in June was recently welcomed at a faculty luncheon.

Before moving to Flagstaff, Dr. Rothamer was Dean of Business, Community Services & International Programs at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis. He also spent seven years in education leadership positions at Walt Disney World Resorts, where he was manager of segment learning and development.

It was through his work travels at Disney that he discovered Flagstaff during a presentation at Northern Arizona University.

"Flagstaff made it to my top 10 list of places I'd like to return," Dr. Rothamer said.

When he saw the vice president position open at CCC, Dr. Rothamer said it fit with his interest in working at a community college.

"Throughout my professional career, I have maintained a passion for helping students meet their learning goals by establishing initiatives that enhance the value of the educational process," Dr. Rothamer said. "Coconino Community College boasts that same enthusiasm and is extremely progressive in prioritizing student success. I'm truly excited to be a member of this college."

Dr. Rothamer, who holds multiple academic degrees from the University of Florida, also holds an associate degree from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fla.

Dr. Rothamer said he looks forward to his future with the college and exploring the Flagstaff region with his wife Nancy and three daughters.

Bookstore remodeled for functionality, updated look

The CCC bookstore at the Lone Tree Campus has a new look. The store was recently remodeled to increase functionality, said Store Manager Jill Christensen. More shelving for textbooks was added and the merchandise areas were updated. Perhaps most noticeable is the new cash counter with updated registers.

"A lot of the remodel was about bringing our store into the 21st century," Christensen said.

Student and advisor attend Phi Theta Kappa National Convention

A Coconino Community College student and advisor attended this year's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society National Convention in Nashville.

CCC student Cathleen Goodell was honored as one of 20 recipients in the nation of this year's Phi Theta Kappa Guistwhite Scholarship, were among the group at the April convention for its members, advisors, and alumni. CCC student Kelly Miller also received the honor, but was unable to attend.

The scholarship, which awards each honoree a $5,000 scholarship for their baccalaureate studies, is named in honor of the late Dr. Jack Guistwhite who established the first designated transfer scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa.

"The national convention is way for Phi Theta Kappa to bring its members together, inspire development and accomplishment, and provide education and resources," said Goodell, who also served as chapter president. "The experience at the convention is unparalleled. A student can gain a clear understanding of their expectations and objectives as a member or an officer as well as enthusiasm."

Participants attended educational forums and the Senior College Fair to meet with prospective university representatives, Goodell said.

"We also heard inspiring speeches from specially selected speakers such as Cassius Johnson of Washington, D.C., an Associate Vice President of National Education Policy for Jobs for the Future," she said.

Phi Theta Kappa members at CCC have already started planning for the 2013 National Convention in San Jose and for the 2014 convention in Orlando.

"The effects of students inspired to do more and learn more reciprocate to the community college," Goodell said. "Through Phi Theta Kappa's Honors in Action program that awards the chapter, the members study a topic of discussion and create a project that serves the community based upon the study. This volunteer service can be a one-time effect, or have a continuing effort that erects permanent assistance leagues."

CCC co-hosts statewide training for colleges and universities

Coconino Community College recently co-hosted the Academic Program Articulation Steering Committee of Arizona annual training.

The statewide committee brings together and provides oversight for Arizona's public secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, such as CCC. The committee works to make sure students are prepared and have the proper support to help them pursue a post-secondary certificate or degree program.

Karla Phillips, CCC's Curriculum and Articulation Services Coordinator, co-hosted the training June 25-26 with Northern Arizona University. This was the first time the training was held on CCC's campus, Phillips said.

"CCC was helping support a statewide effort," she said. "They had no idea we had this wonderful place in the trees."

HR Corner

Ofelia Gonzalez, Public Relations and Publications Coordinator

Ofelia Gonzalez is in charge of telling the stories of the College, but her official title is Public Relations and Publications Coordinator. Prior to moving to Flagstaff, she spent almost nine years as a reporter for The Arizona Republic newspaper in Phoenix.

Emiline Pritchard, Financial Aide Specialist I

Emiline Pritchard recently moved back to Flagstaff after spending two years in Athens, Ga. Pritchard, who grew up in Flagstaff and received her bachelor's degree from NAU, works with students in the financial aid office, as well as on special projects. Pritchard loved the southern hospitality she experienced in Georgia, but she and her boyfriend missed family and decided their lives would be richer closer to home.